Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2025-12-11
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Patrick O'Donovan (FG), Limerick County

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I speak to it not only as the Minister deputising today but as a parent and teacher. The Minister, Deputy Foley, raised the matter at Cabinet and spoke publicly to the media about it. I reiterate that as a Government, we must ensure that the needs of children are identified at an early stage and that they receive supports to meet those needs, whatever they are. There may be a need for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or another service. The Minister brought proposals to Cabinet this week. They will be fleshed out. There will be consultation and an opportunity for people to engage. I will raise the points made by the Deputy with the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins. We are as anxious as anybody else that this is resolved. Many of us are parents of young children and have worked in schools.
I do not think anyone has a monopoly on this and we want to try to make sure we get it sorted. It will not be for want of effort on the part of the Government.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-12-11/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-11